My child is exhausted with so many activities, and we are all worn out trying to keep up with it all! What should we do?

Our Daddy MD Guide’s reply: I believe our kids are way over-scheduled nowadays. In so many ways, they don’t have time to just be kids, play outside, dig in the mud, or swing from the trees. Many of us are trying to make experts out of our kid in areas that they have little interest in or trying to cultivate potential little Olympians to satisfy our own egos.

I think any parent can benefit from reading the works of Meg Meeker, MD, such as Boys Should be Boys and Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know. Parents or potential parents will gain a lot of insight from reading the wisdom of this awesome and incredibly experienced doctor and hopefully avoid some of the pitfalls we are all faced with as parents. As my own son is getting more and more involved with activities, these books have certainly helped me as I look at his schedule and determine what is appropriate for us as a family to get involved in.

— Richard Kelley, MD, a dad of an eight-year-old son, who’s been practicing medicine since 1993 and is the author of The Fitness Response: 21 Steps to ‘Model’ Your Way to a Fit, Fabulous Body, as well as The 3 Hour Appetite and The 3 Hour Appetite Companion Cookbook

The information on DaddyMDGuides.com is not intended to replace the diagnosis, treatment, and services of a physician. Always consult your physician if you have any questions concerning your health or your family's health. For severe or life-threatening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.